“Do we know that these properties are safe? We do know that there are existing standards for the remediation of mechanical, plumbing, electrical and construction standards, but what we don’t have is a remediation standard for air quality. It’s almost like the orphan in the situation.”

“You can have a home that looks like it’s quite beautifully remodelled, remediated, nothing looks amiss. But the spore mold, there’s 3-4 different types of toxic mould which can lie dormant for years to come.”

“Would I sell one of these [remediated] homes to my kids, the answer is ‘no, I wouldn’t’ because I don’t have confidence in the standards that are currently practiced.”

According to AREA’s backgrounder dated October 2009, there are no consistent remediation standards in place for mould or air quality in properties previously used as marijuana grow-ops or other drug operations.

Currently, Alberta municipalities may allow a property to be re-inhabited when local standards are met. However, the conditions under which a local authority grants re-habitation differ from community to community. Universal standards for the province of Alberta are needed.

The potential also exists for a property to become ‘sick’ after re-habitation. There are currently no provisions in place provincially to protect the consumer should this situation arise.

As well, there are no guidelines in place to handle properties that cannot be remediated to the satisfaction of local authorities.

AREA has been working to get the Provincial Government to implement 2 main points:

All grow-ops to be registered on Land Titles so buyers can do due diligence

Alberta Gov’t to adopt a standard for the remediation of the air quality

AREA commissioned U of C Professor Tang G. Lee to come up with a remediation strategy and is now looking towards the provincial government to adopt it.

Regardless of whether the listing states: “COMPLETELY REMEDIATED AND CLEARED BY THE ALBERTA HEALTH REGION,” “The house has been remediated and has met all of the Calgary health region requirements,” “remediated and declared safe by the Calgary Health Region,”- I would never purchase one of these properties. I believe the substantial health risks outweigh whatever financial benefits could be gained.

11 responses to “Are Remediated Grow-Ops Safe?”

thank you for raising this point. many buyers have no idea that remediation is a serious matter to consider when buying a home. most are more concerned on the homes physical attributes more than anything else.

The fact that a home was used as a former marijuana grow-op would be a material latent defect if the property has not been professionally remedied.

That said, if I were the seller I would definitely disclose than be held liable somehow down the road.

Edit: Message I received from CREB:

“The Buyer should always be asking if the home is a former grow-op. It is not “law” to disclose if remediated. The Seller and their representative, as well as their Brokerage, could be liable if they are aware and do not disclose. As there is no standard of remediation and sometimes even underground lines have been compromised we recommend they be disclosed”

In any case, please speak to your lawyer if you find yourself involved with a remediated grow-op and are in need of legal advice.

Before buying any home I would recommend air quality test. “In some cases, in houses that were said to have been remediated, we still found mould.” A home that was a grow op, has pour vapour barrier or insulation in basement, inadequate weeping tile or sump pump are at risk. Remediation must first remove the cause and then deal with the mould spoors. The spoors can be very serous to your health. Testing is cheap and your real-estate agent can put in a back out clause.
In all homes even new you will find mould spoors, at what level and type is the concern.